forensics vocab: fingerprinting

Anthropometry

the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.

Arch

A fingerprint pattern in which the ridge pattern originates from one side of the print an continues to the other side

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)

A computerized system, maintained by the FBI, that stores and compares millions of fingerprints and is used to find matches for identification purposes.

Bifurcations

the division of something into two branches or parts

Bulb

The (palm) surface of the fingers, specifically the fleshy part at the end of the fingers, just above the knuckles.

Classification

The process of grouping things based on their similarities

Core

A center of a loop

Dactylography

The scientific study of fingerprints as a means of identification

Dactyloscopy

The science of identifying individuals by comparing their unique fingerprint patterns

Delta

A triangular ridge pattern

Elimination Prints

Fingerprints taken from individuals to exclude them as potential suspects in a crime

Fingerprint

An impression left on any surface that consists of patterns made by the ridges on a finger

Fluorescence

Using fluorescence powers or other materials to visualize latent fingerprints

Friction Ridges

Found on the bulbs of the finger, these ridges form the unique pattern that allows for individual identification in forensic work (fingerprints)

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS

FBI-developed national database of more than 76 million criminal's fingerprints and criminal histories

Identification

A means of proving a person's identity

Invisible Print

A latent print not visible without some form of developing

Latent Print

A concealed fingerprint made visible through the use of powders or forensic techniques

Loop

A fingerprint pattern in which the ridge pattern flows inward and returns in the direction of the origin.

Minutiae

The combination of details in the shapes and positions of ridges in fingerprints that makes each unique

Ninhydrin

A chemical compound used primarily for detection and identifying amino acids, proteins, and peptides. Develops latent prints through reacting with the amino acids in sweat residue that fingers leave behind.

Patent Fingerprints

visible prints transferred onto smooth surfaces by blood, grease, ink, dirt, etc

Plastic Print

Three-dimensional print made as indentations in soft material such as fresh paint, putty, or wax; also called an indented or molded print

Probation Value

The degree to which a particular item of evidence is useful in, and relevant to, proving something important in a trial.

Ridge Count

The number of ridges between the center of a delta and the core of a loop

Ten-Print Card

A form used to record and preserve a person's fingerprints

Visible Print

A fingerprint that can be seen.

Whorl

A fingerprint pattern that resembles a bullseye